Adopted another War Baby

Found this USGI M1 Carbine in the used rack of a big box sporting good store, hidden among the Remchesters. Just your run of the mill Inland, serial number 5.4 million (toward the end of Inland production in 1944). Inland receiver, barrel, and bolt. Saginaw trigger housing. AOB slide. Quality Hardware bayonet lug. The wood was so ding-free I thought it was aftermarket, but the stock and handguard are both "IO" marked. The only problem was that the previous owner had replaced the rear sight with a Williams aperture. Story was the previous owner was an older fellow who's failing eyesight necessitated the "upgrade". Oh well, it knocked a big chunk off of the price. A USGI replacement is on its way.

I've really got a weak spot for M1 Carbines. Amazing how they pretty much perfected the PDW on the first try.

If you enjoyed reading about "Adopted another War Baby" here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!

Big_E

June 8, 2009, 08:04 PM

Mmmmm....Beautiful....

Nice work, that stock is perfect. I need one of those soon. Except I kinda want a stock that is worn just a bit so I can refinish it because I would never sell it.

NCsmitty

June 8, 2009, 08:06 PM

Congratulations Shear_stress, that's a nice Carbine.

NCsmitty

Shear_stress

June 8, 2009, 08:11 PM

Thanks, folks. I can't help but wonder if the stock has been refinished. The stock is marking in the sling well, but doesn't have an acceptance or rebuild stamp anywhere. If it was finished, it was a while ago, as there are a couple of minor dings. Whoever did it did a pretty good job of giving the stock a correct oil finish.

On the other hand, the acceptance stamp on my IBM is so faint that it's barely visible.

Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow

June 8, 2009, 08:14 PM

And what did this beautiful baby set you back, may we ask?

Stock does look refinished to me. Now just rough it up a tad and it will pass for original. :p

Shear_stress

June 8, 2009, 08:16 PM

Let's just say the price was very right.

Edited to add: you know, I'm not sure if this thing was refinished by a civilian. It's got the correct oil finish--nothing like the heavily lacquered jobs that usually accompany "sporterizing" attempts. The stock is not perfect either, it still has a few light dings and scrapes. Not only that, but there is no obvious dishing or recontouring. The metal bits fit about as tightly as my IBM. My bet is a DCM refinish--they would've done it right, but wouldn't have done the acceptance stamp.

tjj

June 8, 2009, 08:31 PM

Wow, what a find. I've never seen one in that good a shape.

And you managed to stay below the limit for grand larceny. So it was just plain theft.:D

FlyinBryan

June 8, 2009, 08:37 PM

just about as pretty as ive seen.

from the pics it looks absolutely flawless.

i wouldnt mind having a couple of those to go with our m1's.

Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow

June 8, 2009, 08:41 PM

Oh, c'mon, you've GOT to tell us the "larceny" price!!!! :)

Shear_stress

June 8, 2009, 08:45 PM

Okay, if you gotta know: $350.

Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow

June 8, 2009, 08:47 PM

Yes, I gotta know, and

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: YOU - BASTARD! :)

Big_E

June 8, 2009, 08:48 PM

$350, you're kidding I would easily pay $700 for something that nice at least.

Shear_stress

June 8, 2009, 08:53 PM

It'll be $400 once I get the rear sight. Some day I'll reveal how much I paid for the IBM. . .

And if we all want to have a good cry, let's have some of the older folks crow about the $25 carbines they picked out of a barrel at the hardware store.

Snowdog

June 8, 2009, 08:58 PM

Wow....

Great job on the photos too!

P.B.Walsh

June 8, 2009, 09:03 PM

Nice.

sharkhunter2018

June 8, 2009, 09:29 PM

$350?!? You THIEF!! :D

Awesome find.

Shear_stress

June 8, 2009, 09:35 PM

Thanks for the kind words, everyone. You do this kind of thing long enough and once in a while it pays off.

Here's a shot of the Inland with its IBM step brother. Looks like the two are going to get along just fine.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/DSCF0139_small.jpg

sharkhunter2018

June 8, 2009, 11:55 PM

Man, those are some prudy Carbines.

kilo729

June 9, 2009, 12:11 AM

Oh.
My.
God.

The wood on that is AMAZING. 350 is nearly highway robbery, excellent Acorn.

Bones11b

June 9, 2009, 01:04 AM

Very nice! Great deal as well.

Nugilum

June 9, 2009, 09:34 PM

Define covet:

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/DSCF0139_small.jpg

Check. :evil:

benzy2

June 9, 2009, 09:38 PM

Amazing buy. I love it when someone buying for good reason runs across a great deal. It always seems to make it worth it to know the owner will treat the rifle right instead of turn around and dump it for profit.

Nugilum

June 9, 2009, 09:39 PM

Yea, or bubba it :eek: :( :uhoh: :fire: :barf:

Deckard

June 9, 2009, 10:29 PM

Oh man, that is absolute filth. That old girl is cherry, and at that price...whew. Lucky dog.

If you enjoyed reading about "Adopted another War Baby" here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!